Alaverdi cathedral is unique; parts of the monastery date back to 6th century and its architecture is made out of harmoniously integrated styles from different periods. With a height of over 55 meters, Alaverdi Cathedral is the second tallest religious building in Georgia and breaths monumentality and grandeur. The mural paintings, stemming from three different periods, are one of the most important cultural treasures of the building.

Furthermore, the complex is significant for its socio- historical background. It is the place where not only Georgians but also numerous ethnic groups come on pilgrimage. It functions as a place for worship and communal meetings, and provides a stage for one of the most important religious and folk celebrations, Alaverdoba. Historically Alaverdoba lasted for three weeks in a three-step cycle, reflecting pre-Christian cults related to the Moon. In the 19th century, a tradition of agricultural fair was added to the festival. Alaverdoba survived the Soviet era and is still widely celebrated in Kakheti, attended by locals as well as visitors from the neighboring communities such as the Kists from the Pankisi Gorge. Alaverdi monastery is enlisted on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative list since 2007.